Every Tuesday and Friday we give you the scoop on what's happening in and out of the wrestling ring. Every Monday a brand new Book It.

I've got legs. I know how to use them.

Chairshots
4-12-02

Smackdown Thoughts
I've been meaning to rip Michael Cole a new one for a few weeks now but other things keep coming up. Last night pushed me over the edge as he explained to us that Edge is now the "fun-loving Edge." No other announcer patronizes the audience as much as Cole. There was a prime opportunity during the draft to replace Cole but now I fear we're stuck with him.

Kurt Angle continues to be the biggest heel in the company based on fan reaction. He consistently is able to get the fans booing him in a fun and interactive way. We've seen Edge vs. Angle before but it's a match up I don't mind seeing again.

Why are you looking over there Vince?

The personal assistant segment with Vince and Stacy Keibler was somewhat entertaining but took up too large a block of time. It would have been better if each interview had been shown separately backstage during the entire show. 10 minutes of that at once for the punch line we all knew was coming was just too much. For the record, all job interviews at FanboyPlanet in the future will now be conducted in the same way and the candidate that gives me a table dance will be hired. Derek, you already have the job. Please keep your pants on.

I'm really not crazy about the Tajiri heel turn. The writers put so little effort into building an entertaining face storyline for him that it looks like they are just giving up and turning him heel as something new to do.

As much as I can't explain Hogan's renewed popularity, the WWF is using him in the right way. They are having the younger wrestlers like Jericho and Edge get the rub they need from Hogan's legend. They are also cashing in on Hogan's popularity with the main event at Backlash before fans remember that he can't wrestle.

I take back everything I said in Book It two weeks ago about Bubba Ray Dudley being the stronger of the two Dudleys. D-Von Dudley cut a hell of a promo last night. I'm curious to see where this "benefactor" angle goes.

I see you baby...shakin that ass.

Fashion Tips for Smackdown Wrestlers:

It's too late now, but Hurricane, you looked better with long hair.

Albert, I didn't like you as the Hip Hop Hippo and I really don't like you in tiny black trunks. Ew. Ew. Ew.

Hulk Hogan, can't we find some compromise between the NWO tee shirts and the full red and yellow outfit? A man close to 60 years of age should not be wearing red and yellow tie dye tights and feather boas, unless he's Rip Taylor.

Stacy Keibler, I love you.

Smackdown was the better show this week, but both shows were entertaining.

Please stop that.

Ratings
Ratings for Smackdown were down this week to 3.5 Previous week was 4.1 and the WWF doesn't have basketball to blame this time.

Daffney to WWF?
Former WCW valet Daffney Unger (real name Shannon Spruill ) is among the people invited to a WWF try-out camp being held next week. How many more wrestlers/valets is the WWF planning on hiring?

Thesz, Pressed
Wrestling legend Lou Thesz had to under-go triple bypass surgery earlier this week. His prognosis for a full recovery is very positive.

Saturday Night Rock
The Rock has been busy promoting his upcoming movie The Scorpion King for the last few weeks and that's why he wasn't at Smackdown. Rock's next film "Helldorado" (stupid name-o) is scheduled to start filming this fall which means we could be seeing even less of The Rock in the WWF soon. However, you can see The Rock hosting Saturday Night Live this week. He was pretty funny last time he hosted and hopefully they will have some other wrestler make cameo appearances.

Until Tuesday…

Michael Goodson